Shallow Water Attendant

The purpose of the American Red Cross Shallow Water Attendant course is to teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies in shallow water up to 4 feet deep. The course content and activities prepare participants to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drowning and injuries in shallow water. All of the water skills presume that the attendant can stand in water and breathe and the he or she shows comfort in the water.

Note: The course is NOT intended for the shallow part of an area or attraction that also has deeper water. For example, it is not intended for a person to be able to supervise a waterfront facility that ranges from shallow to deep water.

Course Length:  Approximately 3 days

Prerequisites

  • 50 yard swim (front crawl & breaststroke)
  • 20 yard swim & brick retrieval from 4 ft water, walk back (timed)
  • Age 15

Certification Validity

  • Shallow Water Attendant/First Aid 3 years
  • CPR & AED 2 years

Water Skills

  • All New – 15 Skills

First Aid Skills

  • Secondary Assessment
  • Applying an Anatomic Splint
  • Applying a Soft Splint
  • Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land

Additional Training

  • Administering Emergency Oxygen
  • Airway Management
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Epinephrine auto injector
  • Assisting with inhaler